SAFETY & CHILD PROTECTION | Beckermet Scouts

Safety & Child Protection

Is Scouts safe?

We think so.

We are governed by the Policy Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. These are followed by every Scout Group in the UK and they include rules covering child protection and the running of specific activities.

All of our leaders have undergone a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Most of our leaders hold a “first response” first aid certificate or a higher qualification. For adventurous activities, Scouting operates a permit scheme to make sure that only leaders with appropriate training and experience can run certain activities.

Although we try to manage the risks to make our activities as safe as practicable, some of our activities carry an inherent element of risk (for example we couldn't go kayaking without going near water). This is part of what makes them fun and adventurous, and whilst we try to ensure that the risks are controlled as best as we can, we can never totally remove them.

If you have any questions about the safety precautions associated with an activity or about our child protection policies, then please speak to a leader.

You can find more infomation about child protection in Scouting from The Scout Association website here.

I'm worried about bullying

We have a zero tolerance attitude to bullying. If you are being bullied, please speak to your section leader as soon as possible. If you wish to raise your concerns further, please follow the guidance on the Problems and Complaints FAQ.

Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks (formally known as CRB checks)

How do I get a DBS check for Scouting?

The DBS check process is now managed online. To get started you'll need to complete an adult information form, ask your section leader for a paper copy or download one from the Downloads page.

Return the completed form to your child's leader or the Group Scout Leader and we'll register you on the Scout Association membership system (Compass) and start the disclosure application process.

Once we've registered you and started the application process, you'll be sent details to allow you to log-in to your account where you'll be asked to confirm your basic details and select the ID for verification.

As a minimum you'll need to provide 3 separate pieces of ID, one of which must confirm your date of birth, and one of which must confirm your current address. Depending on what forms of ID you're able to present you may need to provide extra forms of ID.

Once you've selected your ID you'll need to present it to a member of the leadership team who will verify it and update DBS system. You'll then be sent a second link to provide the information needed to complete the DBS check. You'll be asked to confirm/provide:

Your full name, and any other names that you may have had in the past
Details of addresses where you have lived during the past five years
Your date and place of birth
Your national insurance number

Once you've submitted the application it can take anywhere between 2 and 8 weeks to process.

How do I renew a DBS check for Scouting?

If your current DBS check is running out we can initiate a renewal for you. To get started you will need to speak to your child's leader, the Group Scout Leader (gsl@hensinghamscouts.org.uk) or email info@hensinghamscouts.org.uk.

You'll need to provide us with a few details (your name, date of birth, email address, and Scouting membership number if you know it) so that we can find you on the membership system and start the disclosure application process.

We'll request a renewal from Scout Association HQ and initiate the application. You'll be sent details to allow you to log-in to your account where you'll be asked to confirm your basic details and select the ID for verification.

Your full name, and any other names that you may have had in the past
Details of addresses where you have lived during the past five years
Your date and place of birth
Your national insurance number

Once you've submitted the application it can take anywhere between 2 and 8 weeks to process.

I can't find all of the ID I selected online, can I still complete the process?

Don't worry - we can select new forms of ID when you bring it for checking. If you're changing ID, please speak to your child's leader to check that what you're bringing is going to be sufficient, otherwise you might have a wasted trip!

I don't have access to a computer, what can I do?

Don't worry - complete and hand-in the adult information form as normal. Once you're registered on the system, we'll arrange a mutually convenient time to meet with you and complete the whole DBS application in one go.

How long does the DBS check take?

Once you've submitted your final application it normally takes 2-8 weeks for the process to complete, although it can take longer at busy times of the year. You will receive a copy of your disclosure certificate in the post.

Please note: if you have something on your criminal record, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t help us, but you should be aware that the clearance process may take slightly longer.

How long does my Scouting DBS check last?

Your DBS check is valid for 5 years, providing you and/or your child remain actively involved in Scouting.

I already have a DBS check for another organisation – can I use that for Scouting?

Unfortunately not – at the moment The Scout Association requires that all volunteers have a check specifically for Scouting.

If you've had a DBS check done for another role within Scouting, or with a different Scout Group/District, you should be able to use that, please speak to your child's section leader or the Group Scout Leader.